Iron Ore Heritage Trail Recreation Authority

Liaison to Marquette Charter Township                                                                     

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, year-round, multi-use, interpretive trail that crosses the Marquette Iron Range in the Upper Peninsula. It is designed for use by those who might be history buffs or like to bike, walk, run, hike, ORV, snowmobile, cross country ski, birdwatch and/or wander. Each community the trail goes through has a trailhead that offers historical information and pictures of the area’s importance in the extraction of iron ore and the impact to the nation over the years.

Each city or township of the county that the trail extends through, participates in the trail through a vote of their municipality; additionally, each provides a millage for the trail’s upkeep. In Marquette Township, the Township Supervisor recommends a liaison member, with approval of the Township Board for a three-year term.

Unlike the rest of the township commissions and committees, this appointment does not end on December 31 of each year. Because the fiscal year of the Authority begins on April 1, the term ends March 31. Meetings are open to the public and are compliant with the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The prospective member will complete an application and submit it to the Township Supervisor for recommendation to the Township Board. The Supervisor will conduct a short interview with all candidates interested in the seat and will make the recommendation to the Board at the last meeting in March.

Just prior to expiration of the term, applications will again be taken from all interested individuals.

Meetings are held at the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority corporate offices once a month. The member will take a constitutional oath of office. The member will report to the Marquette Township Board at a minimum of twice a year: the third Wednesday in March and the first Wednesday in October of each year.